MANCHESTER United fan Chris Farnell today dismissed cries of "foul" over one of the summer's hottest soccer transfers.

Chris, 33, a partner at Hill Dickinson Solicitors, was closely involved in securing Harry Kewell's move from Leeds United to Liverpool.

The Aussie ace was being pursued by a host of other top clubs, including Manchester United. But

Kewell had set his heart on joining the Anfield club, which he supported as a boy.

Today, Chris, of Hale, spoke of his role in the transfer - and expressed his surprise at the hoo-ha surrounding Kewell's move.

Kewell's departure ended in acrimony after Leeds accused him of cynically exploiting the club's financial plight.

Leeds received £5m for Kewell, but had a separate agreement to pay his agent a "success fee" of £2m for securing his move.

It effectively left Leeds in receipt of just £3m. It was claimed a £7m fee had been initially offered by with Liverpool, which was denied.

Contract

Chris assisted with the drafting of Kewell's new Liverpool contract and was involved in the agreement between Leeds United and the player's agent, Max Sport.

"In January, Leeds instructed an agent to find a new club for Harry. He found out about this and Leeds subsequently agreed to pay Max Sport a success fee.

"It was an entirely separate agreement to the transfer. It had been agreed in correspondence dating back several months," he said.

"I'm surprised by all the hoo-ha it has caused. It was transparent from day one - Harry's agent Bernie Mandic and Liverpool made it abundantly clear - that the transfer fee was £5m, and that Bernie would receive a payment from Leeds. A figure of £7m was never discussed.

"I think £5m for Harry was a bargain, but Leeds had lost out when they sold Lee Bowyer for £100,000 and they were determined not to be left having to sell Harry when his contract was nearer to running out, or on a Bosman transfer."

Manchester United fan Chris added: "As for Max Sport, the firm could have received more had Harry gone elsewhere, for a bigger sum. So the allegations of greed are totally untrue.